End the nightly dinner struggle with these 19 kid-friendly meals that are sure to impress even the fussiest eaters. They’re simple to make and packed with flavors that kids love, turning mealtime battles into fun, peaceful family gatherings. With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll find cooking for your family a breeze and enjoy more relaxed dinners. Say goodbye to picky eating and hello to happy, satisfied kids at the table.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Transforming classic dishes can lead to exciting mealtime discoveries, like with Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. This recipe offers a simplified approach, making a traditionally complex dish more accessible for family dinners. Using an air fryer reduces the mess and cuts down on cooking time. Crispy on the outside with a succulent ham and cheese filling, it promises to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Steak & Pasta Salad
Introducing bold flavors in kid-friendly meals can be a challenge, but Steak & Pasta Salad rises to the occasion. This dish combines the hearty appeal of steak with the lightness of a pasta salad, making it versatile for both lunches and dinners. It’s an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into a meal that children will enjoy. Every forkful offers a balance of textures and flavors, creating harmonious bites everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Chicken Tinga
For families wanting to explore new cuisines, Chicken Tinga is an ideal start. This flavorful dish hails from Mexico, and features shredded chicken in a tomato-chipotle sauce that’s both smoky and slightly spicy. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, particularly for busy weeknights. Serve it atop tostadas or in tacos for a customizable meal that allows everyone to add their favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Weeknights call for meals that are both nourishing and quick to prepare, like Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This recipe brings together pillowy gnocchi, spicy sausage, and slightly bitter broccoli rabe, creating a well-rounded dish. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup without compromising on taste. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Recreating restaurant favorites at home can be both fun and fulfilling, as seen with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This comforting dish replicates the tender chicken and soft dumplings you love, with a homemade touch. It’s the perfect way to bring the coziness of Cracker Barrel into your kitchen. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that making a comforting meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp offers a taste of the sea with a flavorful twist. This recipe encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine through its use of herbs and spices. Grilled to perfection, the shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it versatile for meal planning. It’s a lighter option that’s quick to make, ideal for those nights when you want something both healthful and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Reinventing classics with a twist can result in delicious surprises, such as Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. This recipe infuses the traditional chicken salad with sweetness from cranberries and a crunch from walnuts. It’s perfect for sandwiches or atop a bed of greens, offering flexibility in how it’s served. Not only is it delicious, but it also adds a colorful and nutritious element to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Take the steak dinner to an entirely new level with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. The cowboy butter, rich with herbs and spices, melts into the steaks, enhancing their natural flavors. This dish proves that a few high-quality ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. Ideal for special occasions or when you wish to treat your family, it shows that simplicity can lead to the most remarkable flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken recreates the beloved restaurant classic with ease. Bringing the flavors of honey mustard, mushrooms, and cheese together, this dish is both comforting and familiar. It’s particularly appealing to kids who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their meals. Pair it with a side of vegetables for a well-rounded dinner that’s bound to get requests for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Exploring international flavors can be an adventure with dishes like Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This versatile recipe serves as a fantastic base for tacos, burritos, or even atop rice. Its rich flavor profile is achieved with simple spices and ingredients. It’s an invitation to introduce your kitchen to global cuisine without needing a passport, making dinner an exciting event.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Adding a side of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots can brighten up any meal. This recipe captures the sweetness and tenderness of the carrots, making them a hit among kids and adults alike. They’re not only delicious but also add a vibrant color to the dinner table. Whether served alongside a main dish or as a healthy snack, these baby carrots are sure to be devoured with joy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Pizza Pasta Salad
Combine the joy of pizza with the freshness of a pasta salad with Pizza Pasta Salad. It’s a fun twist on two family favorites, making it a hit at any gathering or mealtime. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, allowing for various toppings to cater to individual tastes. It’s the perfect solution for when you need a quick, yet flavorful dish that satisfies every craving.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes offers a creative take on traditional croquettes. This recipe stands out with its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. It’s a delicious way to introduce new flavors to the dinner table, inspired by popular meal kit selections. Preparing this dish can be a fun gourmet project that delivers both taste and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Summer meals shine with Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, a dish that highlights the bounty of the season. The freshness of cherry tomatoes combines with garlic and herbs to create a light, yet flavorful sauce. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a pasta dish that feels appropriate for warm weather. Light, fresh, and quick to prepare, this pasta ensures a meal that’s both satisfying and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs bring a playful twist to the classic meatball dish. These are not your average meatballs; they get their name from the rice grains that stick out, resembling porcupine quills. Cooking in the slow cooker makes them incredibly tender and infuses them with flavor. It’s a hands-off recipe that allows you to enjoy time with your family while dinner cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
For a dish that’s as indulgent as it is delicious, Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots hits the mark. This recipe combines the flavorful taste of a Philly cheesesteak with the crispy texture of tots. It’s an inventive way to enjoy the flavors of a classic sandwich in a new form. Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both unique and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s feast with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Utilizing leftovers efficiently, this recipe brings new life to steak with a simple, flavorful transformation. Tacos offer a customizable meal option that can suit a variety of taste preferences. They’re proof that second-day meals can be just as exciting as the first, reducing waste while maximizing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips bring the bold flavors of the steakhouse to your table. This recipe focuses on tender beef simmered in a rich gravy, ideal for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. It offers a hearty meal option that’s both comforting and flavorful. Serving this dish is a way to create a special dinner experience at home, with less effort than you might expect.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
There’s something about Diner Style Salisbury Steak that feels warmly nostalgic. This recipe recreates the classic dish with a flavorful gravy that’s hard to resist. It’s a reassuringly familiar meal that’s guaranteed to please any crowd. Paired with mashed potatoes and green beans, it presents a complete, comforting meal that brings back fond memories of classic diners.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak